face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās 

1

: within each other's sight or presence

met and talked face-to-face

a face-to-face consultation

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

came face-to-face with the problem

Synonyms of face-to-face

• personally

Examples of face-to-face in a Sentence

I won't believe that accusation until I meet with him face-to-face and ask him myself

came face-to-face with her lifelong fear of flying even before the plane left the runway

Recent Examples on the Web

Summary Despite the rise of AI and automation, business leaders are increasingly prioritizing face-to-face networking. — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Finally, in 2023, the two finally connected face-to-face at Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July White party. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

Weeks of conversation can pass without producing a face-to-face meeting. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Separating students from those pressures for several hours could encourage face-to-face conversation and give overwhelmed teenagers a genuine break. — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face-to-face

• aromatase
• oligoclase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace

Kids Definition

face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˌfās-tə-ˈfās

1

: within each other's close presence

met face-to-face

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

face-to-face with a crisis